How A Drastic Transformation Led to Ultimate Success
Imagine the feeling of being unable to do what you love, solely because of what you look like. For Alex Carr, a sophomore standout in Montclair State’s renowned Musical Theater Program, this was the challenge he faced. In high school, Carr displayed great talent and enormous potential as a dancer, singer, and actor. His only obstacle though, was his weight. Carr was very overweight for his height, and vividly remembers being told that his look did not match his voice, and that he would never be able to find work in the theater industry.
Actors are like athletes; being fit is a necessity in order to endure the grueling hours of choreography and rehearsal. This past week, as he gazed out into the audience from the stage of Montclair State’s Kasser Theater, a tear slowly made its way down his cheek. He took his final bow, and the curtains slowly closed. Montclair’s tenth production of “West Side Story” had just come to a close, and Carr found himself in tears, purely because of the emotion he had channeled to play his role.
“West Side Story”, a modern “Romeo and Juliet” story, is a tale of two lovers, Tony and Maria, of opposing New York City gangs. They fall in love, and clandestinely sneak around until (spoiler alert) Tony is tragically killed. “West Side Story” is more than just a love story though; it tackles many themes such as racism, violence, and death. Carr says, “This show absolutely just drags the emotions right out of you.” The social issues of West Side Story have a striking similarity to those prevalent today, and the cast magnificently channeled the bitter fervor necessary to expose the underlying social issues of the show.
As for Carr, he knew he needed to permanently alter his physical appearance in order to be successful in the theater industry.
After altering his eating habits and hitting the gym harder than ever, Carr underwent an incredible physical transformation and ultimately found himself a student in Montclair State University’s Musical Theater Program. Landing important roles in numerous shows, he has been incredibly successful. “West Side Story” is his first lead though, and the dedication and commitment a lead role requires is extensive.
The preparation necessary to play a lead role is exhausting. From auditions and call backs, to rehearsals, to the final shows, the show is constantly on the minds of cast and crew. The work it takes to put on such a big show is draining. Aside from the 4 hour rehearsals, 6 days a week, Carr says, “I spend every waking moment outside of rehearsal doing character work, reading lines, and practicing choreography.” It is all worth it though, when the show finally comes together. Of “West Side Story”, Carr said, “It was the greatest production I have ever had the privilege of being a part of. Everyone was so professional, and worked so hard, it made the process so enjoyable and enriching. Our director is an absolute genius, and every aspect of the show was just brilliant. Peter Davis, the production manager of “West Side Story” praised the cast and crew, saying, “The students are so talented. From the actors, to crew members, it is an incredible show.”
